Spreader apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A spreader apparatus for use with a vehicle. The spreader apparatus includes an auger portion and a flow bar. The auger portion is configured to spread solid material on a surface. The flow bar is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the auger portion, and includes a plurality of nozzles. The flow bar is configured to spread fluid through each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles onto the surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/111,321 filed on Feb. 3,2015, the entire contents of which being herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to spreader apparatuses. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to spreader apparatusescapable of spreading solid material and fluid. Such spreader apparatusesare useful to pre-treat a road surface with fluid and to apply a solidmaterial to a road surface, for example.

2. Background of Related Art

Trucks equipped with spreaders for distributing solid materials onto apaved surface are known, for example, a material spreading vehicle witha hydraulic wheel pump is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,824; a truckfor hauling and dispensing material over paved roads fitted with anintegrated spreader is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,172; a truckwith a retractable spreader mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,618,002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,200 discloses a method for depositing asnow-ice treatment material onto pavement; a combination truck andspreader apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,482; andInternational Publication No. WO 02/38867 A1 discloses a vehicle thatdischarges and spreads material onto roadways along with atransmitter/receiver device to verify the discharge function. The entirecontents of each of these published patents/applications areincorporated herein by reference.

However, certain solid materials to be spread on pavement will moreeasily adhere to the pavement or road surface if the pavement ispre-treated with a fluid, for example. Additionally, it is often desiredto quickly change the ability of a truck to spread a solid material on aroad surface and to spread a fluid on a road surface, e.g., during snowand ice operations.

Here, two trucks are often required to perform these operations—a firsttruck to apply fluid to the pavement, and a second truck to spread solidmaterial on the pavement. Alternatively, a single truck can be used toperform these operations, but here there is a need to remove a solidmaterial-spreading device and replace it with a fluid-spreading device.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a spreader apparatusthat that can apply both fluid and solid material to a road surface.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a spreader apparatus for use with avehicle. The spreader apparatus includes an auger portion and a flowbar. The auger portion is configured to spread solid material on asurface. The flow bar is disposed in mechanical cooperation with theauger portion, and includes a plurality of nozzles. The flow bar isconfigured to spread fluid through each nozzle of the plurality ofnozzles onto the surface.

In disclosed embodiments, the flow bar is affixed to the auger portion.Alternatively, the flow bar is removably attached to the auger portion.

It is disclosed that the flow bar includes a fluid inlet configured toconnect to a hose, and the fluid inlet is disposed in fluidcommunication with each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles.

It is further disclosed that the flow bar is positioned distally of theauger portion.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating a roadsurface. The method includes spreading a solid material onto the roadsurface with an auger portion of a spreader apparatus, and spreading afluid onto the road surface with a flow bar of the spreader apparatus.

Embodiments of the method also include removably attaching the flow barto the auger portion.

In disclosed embodiments, spreading a solid material onto the roadsurface includes spreading at least one of sodium acetate, salt, orsand. It is also disclosed that spreading a fluid onto the road surfaceincludes spreading at least one of an anti-icing solution, a de-icingsolution, or a brine solution.

It is further disclosed that the method further comprises installing thespreader apparatus onto a truck. The spreader apparatus may be removablyinstalled onto the truck or permanently installed onto the truck.

In disclosed embodiments, the method includes connecting a fluid inletof the flow bar with a fluid tank.

It is also disclosed that spreading the solid material onto the roadsurface is performed at the same time as spreading the fluid onto theroad surface, or at a different time as spreading the fluid onto theroad surface.

In disclosed embodiments, spreading a solid material onto the roadsurface includes spreading at least one of asphalt, concrete, oraggregates onto the road surface. It is also disclosed that spreading afluid onto the road surface includes spreading at least one of acleaning solution, or an adhesive onto the road surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck having a spreader apparatus inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the truck and spreaderapparatus of FIG. 1 showing the spreader apparatus applying solidmaterial from an auger portion onto a road surface, and applying fluidfrom a flow bar onto the road surface; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the connection between theflow bar of FIGS. 1 and 2 to a hose, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed spreader apparatus and method aredescribed in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements in each of the severalviews. In the description that follows, the term “proximal” will referto the portion of the spreader apparatus that is closest to the front ofthe truck, while the term “distal” will refer to the portion of thespreader apparatus that is farthest from the front of the truck.

A spreader apparatus 100, and portions thereof, in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-3. Generally,spreader apparatus 100 is configured to use with a vehicle or truck 10,and includes an auger portion 120 configured to grind and dispense solidmaterial “M,” and a flow bar 140 configured to dispense a fluid “F.” Inthe illustrated embodiments, flow bar 140 is disposed in fluidcommunication with a fluid source or fluid tank “FT” located on orwithin a portion of truck 10. Neither the solid material “M” nor thefluid “F” described herein is limited to a particular type, as augerportion 120 can grind any reasonable solid material “M” for a variety ofpurposes, and flow bar 140 can dispense any reasonable gas or fluid “F”for a variety of purposes. Additionally, both auger portion 120 and flowbar 140 can be configured to distribute the solid material “M” and fluid“F,” respectively, at any reasonable rate, at variable rates or atchangeable rates depending on the desired output for a particular use,for example.

With reference to FIG. 1, spreader apparatus 100 is shown mechanicallyengaged with a distal portion of truck 10, e.g., a dump truck. While notexplicitly shown, truck 10 may include an integrated conveyor system toprovide a multiple purpose truck that can be used in aconveyor-dispensing mode of operation. Such a conveyor system is usableto move solid material “M” distally toward spreader apparatus 100, forexample. More particularly, the conveyor system can move solid material“M” distally onto or into auger portion 120 of spreader apparatus 100.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, auger portion 120 of spreaderapparatus 100 includes at least one rotatable blade 122 and a shaft 124.It is envisioned that truck 10 supplies power to rotate shaft 124, whichcauses blade 122 to rotate. As can be appreciated, rotation of blade 122can help break-up solid material “M” and can facilitate evendistribution of the solid material “M” through a screen 126 of augerportion 120, for example. It is envisioned that screen 126 spans a lowerportion of auger portion 120 such that screen 126 is supported betweenblade 122 and the road surface “RS.”

Flow bar 140 of spreader apparatus 100 includes a fluid inlet 142, abody portion 144, and a plurality of nozzles 146. Flow bar 140 isconfigured to be removably attached to auger portion 120 (e.g., bysuitable mechanical structure) or to be fixedly attached to augerportion 120 (e.g., by welding). Additionally, while flow bar 140 isshown mounted to a distal surface of auger portion 120, the presentdisclosure also includes flow bar 140 being mounted to any other part(e.g., a proximal portion) of auger portion 120 or truck 10.

Fluid inlet 142 is configured to engage and/or mechanically couple witha hose “H.” Hose “H” is configured to engage and/or mechanically coupleto the fluid tank “FT” disposed in a bed of truck 10, for example. Withparticular reference to FIG. 3, an enlarged view of a portion of flowbar 140 including fluid inlet 142 is shown decoupled from the hose “H.”It is envisioned that fluid inlet 142 and hose “H” can couple to eachother by the rotation of the hose “H” and/or by movement of hose “H”along arrow “A” in a quick-connect manner. Additionally, it isenvisioned that hose “H” is routed through or adjacent walls of augerportion 120 and/or truck 10 to interconnect the fluid tank “FT” and flowbar 140.

Each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 146 is disposed in fluidcommunication with fluid inlet 142, such that fluid that enters fluidinlet 142 can exit flow bar 140 through each nozzle of plurality ofnozzles 146. While flow bar 140 is shown having thirteen (13) nozzles146, it is envisioned that flow bar 140 can include more or fewer than13 nozzles 146. Further, it is envisioned that each nozzle of pluralityof nozzles 146 is of any suitable size and shape, including havingnozzles that are differently sized/shaped from an adjacent nozzle.

Spreader apparatus 100 is useful in a myriad of ways, and the presentdisclosure relates to methods of use of spreader apparatus 100. Forexample, when applying a solid material “M” (e.g., asphalt, concrete,aggregates, etc.) to a road surface “RS,” it may be useful to firstapply a fluid “F” (e.g., cleaning solution, an adhesive, etc.) to theroad surface “RS” to help the solid material “M” adhere to the roadsurface “RS” and/or to help the longevity of the solid material “M”after it has been applied to the road surface “RS.” As discussed herein,the use of spreader apparatus 100 can apply both solid material “M”through auger portion 120 and fluid “F” through flow bar 140. Further,spreader apparatus 100 can apply solid material “M” at the same time asit applies fluid “F” or at a different time. Additionally, depending onthe orientation of flow bar 140 with respect to auger portion 120 (anddepending on the direction of travel of truck 10), spreader apparatus100 can apply fluid “F” from flow bar 140 to the road surface “RS” priorto or after the application of solid material “M” from auger portion 120to the road surface “RS.”

Disclosed methods also include installing spreader apparatus 100 ontotruck 10, and connecting fluid inlet 142 with the fluid tank “FT” (e.g.,using hose “H”). Spreader apparatus 100 can be installed onto truck 10either removably (e.g., hanging spreader apparatus 100 from a distal endof truck 10) or permanently (e.g., welding spreader apparatus 100 to adistal end of truck 10).

It is also envisioned to use spreader apparatus 100 during anti-icingoperations. For instance, it is envisioned that the bed of truck 10includes solid material “M” (e.g., sodium acetate, salt, sand, etc.)therein, and that the fluid tank “FT” includes fluid (e.g., ananti-icing solution, a de-icing solution, a brine solution, etc.)therein. In use during an anti-icing or similar operation, a singletruck 10 including spreader apparatus 100 can be used to apply anappropriate solid material “M” through auger portion 120 and anappropriate fluid “F” through flow bar 140.

As can be appreciated, without the use of spreader apparatus 100, eithertwo trucks would be necessary during an anti-icing operation (one truckhaving an auger, and one truck having a flow bar, for example), or asingle truck can be used but the auger would have to be removed afterthe solid material was applied to the road surface, and a flow bar wouldbe required to be installed subsequent to the removal of the auger. Bothof these methods require additional expense and time; time is often ofthe essence during de-icing operations.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beaffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, the truck 10 can eitherinclude a stationary body or a fixed body. As another example, the truck10 can include a belt-type conveyor or a screw-type conveyor to helpmove solid material distally. As yet another example, spreader apparatus100 can be stationary or moveable (e.g., retractable or pivotable). Allsuch changes and modifications are intended to be included within thescope of the appended claims

While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the figures, itis not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it isintended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allowand that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art willenvision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claimsappended hereto.

1. A spreader apparatus for use with a vehicle, the spreader apparatuscomprising: an auger portion configured to spread solid material on asurface; and a flow bar disposed in mechanical cooperation with theauger portion, the flow including a plurality of nozzles, the flow barconfigured to spread fluid through each nozzle of the plurality ofnozzles onto the surface.
 2. The spreader apparatus according to claim1, wherein the flow bar is affixed to the auger portion.
 3. The spreaderapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow bar is removablyattached to the auger portion.
 4. The spreader apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the flow bar includes a fluid inlet configured toconnect to a hose, the fluid inlet being disposed in fluid communicationwith each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles.
 5. The spreader apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the flow bar is positioned distally of theauger portion.
 6. A method of treating a road surface, the methodcomprising: spreading a solid material onto the road surface with anauger portion of a spreader apparatus; and spreading a fluid onto theroad surface with a flow bar of the spreader apparatus.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 6, further comprising removably attaching the flowbar to the auger portion.
 8. The method according to claim 6, whereinspreading a solid material onto the road surface includes spreading atleast one of sodium acetate, salt, or sand onto the road surface.
 9. Themethod according to claim 8, wherein spreading a fluid onto the roadsurface includes spreading at least one of an anti-icing solution, ade-icing solution, or a brine solution onto the road surface.
 10. Themethod according to claim 6, further comprising installing the spreaderapparatus onto a truck.
 11. The method according to claim 10, whereininstalling the spreader apparatus onto the truck includes removablyinstalling the spreader apparatus onto the truck.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein installing the spreader apparatus ontothe truck includes permanently installing the spreader apparatus ontothe truck.
 13. The method according to claim 10, further comprisingconnecting a fluid inlet of the flow bar with a fluid tank.
 14. Themethod according to claim 6, wherein spreading the solid material ontothe road surface is performed at the same time as spreading the fluidonto the road surface.
 15. The method according to claim 6, whereinspreading the solid material onto the road surface is performed at adifferent time as spreading the fluid onto the road surface.
 16. Themethod according to claim 6, wherein spreading a solid material onto theroad surface includes spreading at least one of asphalt, concrete, oraggregates onto the road surface.
 17. The method according to claim 16,wherein spreading a fluid onto the road surface includes spreading atleast one of a cleaning solution, or an adhesive onto the road surface.